EL SEGUNDO, Calif., February 10, 2010 - DIRECTV, the world's most popular video service, announced today that it will add the hit Canadian series, Call Me Fitz, to its line-up of gripping, critically acclaimed programming. The dark comedy starring Jason Priestley will premiere on April 21 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on DIRECTV's The 101 Network.

Jason Priestley (My Name is Earl, Beverly Hills 90210) stars as Richard "Fitz" Fitzpatrick, a morally bankrupt, yet charismatic, used-car salesman who is forced to become business partners with his inner "conscience" - a lanky do-gooder named Larry. Priestley has earned rave reviews for his performance as Fitz, the handsome, substance-abusing scoundrel who torments his naive co-workers, stoops to shameful lows to get the best of the competition and sleeps with any woman who has a pulse.

"I'm excited for Americans to meet Richard Fitzpatrick," said Priestley. "He is like no other character on television. And Call Me Fitz is like no other show on television� that's why it belongs on DIRECTV."

"Call Me Fitz is shockingly addictive and a perfect addition to The 101 Network's programming line-up," said Patty Ishimoto, Vice President Entertainment DIRECTV and General Manager of The 101 Network. "Our viewers will relish this clever comedy series and thoroughly enjoy experiencing Jason Priestley like we've never experienced him before as the outrageous 'Fitz'."

"We're thrilled to be teaming up with DIRECTV for the first time," said Peter Emerson, President, eOne Television International. "DIRECTV's The 101 Network is a great example of a new and exciting platform for delivering original content to audiences and we think that Fitz' charm will win over DIRECTV's customers across the U.S."

The 13-part half-hour comedy series debuted on HBO Canada in Fall 2010 and became an instant success, drawing high ratings and garnering glowing reviews. Call Me Fitz has been sold to fourteen international broadcasters and will be seen in over 60 countries world-wide. The series was developed by Amaze Film + Television and is produced by Amaze Film + Television, Big Motion Pictures and Entertainment One, with the financial participation of The Movie Network and Movie Central. Executive produced by Sheri Elwood, the show was filmed in New Minas, Nova Scotia and boasts a strong ensemble cast including Ernie Grunwald (Weeds, Grey's Anatomy) as Larry, Donovan Stinson (Reaper), Peter MacNeill (Rookie Blue), Kathleen Munroe (CSI: NY), Brooke Nevin (Breakout Kings), Husein Madhavji (Star!), Phyllis Ellis (Three Chords from the Truth), Joanna Cassidy (Six Feet Under), Rachel Blanchard (Flight of the Concords) and Jonathan Torrens (Trailer Park Boys).

About DIRECTV's The 101(R) Network

The 101 Network, DIRECTV's entertainment channel, is a unique television experience that is available exclusively to DIRECTV subscribers. In 2008, the network changed the television landscape by partnering with NBC to produce and air three additional seasons of the Emmy Award-winning series Friday Night Lights and more recently becoming the exclusive home of the critically-acclaimed, Emmy Award-winning drama Damages, with Glenn Close. As a result, The 101 Network has become the premiere destination for diverse, quality and critically acclaimed programming including Underbelly, Supreme Court of Comedy and The Dan Patrick Show. Through its partnerships with leading television and film studios, networks and top cable channels, The 101 Network offers viewers the finest in drama and comedy, with feature films and TV specials, daring, innovative series, exclusive "sneak peek" programming and premium cable series un-cut in their original form. The 101 Network showcases concert specials from superstar artists and celebrated music festivals such as Farm Aid, sporting events such as UFC Fighter expos�s and the annual DIRECTV Celebrity Beach Bowl.

About DIRECTV:

DIRECTV (NASDAQ: DTV) is the world's most popular video service delivering state-of-the-art technology, unmatched programming, the most comprehensive sports packages available and industry leading customer service to its 27.6 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America. In the U.S., DIRECTV offers its 19.1 million customers access to over 160 HD channels and Dolby-Digital(R) 5.1 theater-quality sound (when available), access to exclusive sports programming such as NFL SUNDAY TICKET�, award winning technology like its DIRECTV(R) DVR Scheduler and higher customer satisfaction than the leading cable companies for ten years running. DIRECTV Latin America, through its subsidiaries and affiliated companies in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, leads the pay-TV category in technology, programming and service, delivering an unrivaled digital television experience to 8.5 million customers. DIRECTV sports and entertainment properties include three Regional Sports Networks (Northwest, Rocky Mountain and Pittsburgh) as well as a 65 percent interest in Game Show Network. For the most up-to-date information on DIRECTV, please call 1-800-DIRECTV or visit directv.com.

[02/16/18 - 11:49 PM]Development Update: Friday, February 16Updates include: Madeline Stowe to star in FOX's "Mixtape"; Aunjanue Ellis set for lead role in "Chiefs" at CBS; and Lynn Collins among those bound for ABC's "Safe Harbor."